The FIA sports prototypes were some of the most exciting purpose-built racing cars ever designed. They competed under the regulations set forth by the FIA (Federation International Automobile) in the International Championship of Makes from 1964–1971, and the World Championship of Makes from 1972–1981. The regulations changed somewhat as the years passed, 5.0-liter engines then 3.0-liter engines, etc., but the concept remained the same—to allow manufacturers to design the most fascinating, technically advanced sports racing cars the world had ever seen. These cars were built to compete in a World Championship that included racing in the great endurance races such as the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Nürburgring, Spa and Monza 1000 km, and the Targa Florio. Alfa Romeo, Alpine Renault, Ferrari, Ford, Lola, Matra, and Porsche all designed very lightweight, successful sports prototypes to compete in the World Championship. From this came the Alfa Romeo, Tipo 33/12, Ferrari 512M, Ford GT40, Matra 670, and Porsche 917. These fantastic cars were driven by the world’s best drivers at a time when Formula One drivers still enjoyed competing in sports car races. Today, FIA sports prototypes qualify to race in many great historic events such as the Le Mans 24 Hour Classic and the Monterey Historics. Due to their technology, great designs, eligibility, and low production number, FIA sports prototypes have steadily been increasing in value.
March 82G-85G GTP Sports Prototype
With the new Group C/GTP regulations of 1981, several new and exciting sports prototypes were about to emerge. Since IMSA’s regulations differed somewhat from those of the FISA, this opened the category for smaller manufacturers with no factory affiliation to produce a new car. March Cars was already successful in Formula One with chief designer Robin Herd, and decided to build an IMSA GTP competitor, the March 82G, that it could sell to clients. This project was penned by a young Adrian Newey, who would later go on to design championship-winning Williams, McLaren and Red Bull Formula One cars. It was an aluminum honeycomb monocoque chassis with ground-effect venturi tunnels and conventional wishbone suspension. The body was penned by Frenchman Max Sardou and was quite striking, earning it the nickname “lobster claw.” The 82G was able to accept a variety of different engines including the Chevrolet V8, Buick V6 and Porsche turbocharged flat 6. The March 82G evolved from 1982 to 1985 into the 83G, 84G and 85G, and was the dominant sports prototype in IMSA GTP competition during those years. In 1983 Al Holbert won the IMSA title in a Porsche-powered 83G. In 1984, another Porsche-engined 83G won the Daytona 24 Hours. March won the IMSA title again in 1984 with Randy Lanier in an 84G-Chevy. The 85G was the best and final evolution of the series with 11 cars built. March’s success was accomplished without the backing of a major manufactuer, and it was the car to race for many years. Today one sees these cars in the historic IMSA GTP category and historic Group C races in the USA and Europe. They represent a great value when compared with other cars in the category.
Matra MS 670 Sports Prototype
Matra (Mecanique Aviation Traction) was a French company known for its success in manufacturing in the aerospace and weapons industry. In 1965, wanting to alter its image and take advantage of its unique group of engineers, it purchased the small Automobiles Rene Bonnet company and ventured off into automobile production. Thus the Matra road cars and soon to be race cars division was under way. This new company was very successful, first in 1967 Formula Two with Jacky Ickx in the MS5, then winning the 1969 Formula One World Championship with Jackie Stewart driving the Matra MS80. Matra designed the MS630-650 and MS670 Sports Prototypes with their focus on winning the Le Mans 24-hour endurance race and the World Championship of Makes. Matra was successful in winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972-’73-’74, and the World Championship of Makes title in 1973 and 1974. Matra designed and built the chassis, body and 3.0-liter V12 engine. This was quite an accomplishment previously only undertaken by BRM, Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. This from a fairly new division of this aerospace and weapons company in a short number of years. Drivers included Henri Pescarolo, Jean-Pierre Betoise, Graham Hill, Howden Ganley, Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Jean-Pierre Jarier and Gerard Larrousse. Today it is exciting to see Rick and Rob Hall driving the cars of Aba Kogan in historic races so that we can all enjoy the sights and sounds of the Matra V12.
Criteria Used For Assessing Valuations for this Guide:
- Degree of Originality
- Overall Condition, Restoration
- Technology, Design, Coachbuilder
- Production Numbers/Rarity
- Competition History
- Ownership History, Documentation
- Modern Event Eligibility
Regional Variances
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT. Most of the time, we are able to document known sales or closed escrows, as they say in real estate. When this is not possible, a logical estimate of the car’s value is given, based on its sales history and relationship to cars of its type.
The prices stated in this guide are based on U.S. values. The values of historic racing cars can vary as much as 25%-35% in other countries, depending on local market appeal, currency rates, import duties, and VAT.
LEVEL | VALUATION CATEGORIES |
|---|---|
I | The best combination of all criteria. |
II | Satisfies mid-range of criteria. |
III | In need of restoration. Meets only a few points of criteria |
